Hagia
Sophia,
which is
assumed as the first and the only unique application in
connection with its architecture, magnificence, size and
functionality; is a product of east - west synthesis which
inspired the Ottoman mosques on the basis of thoughts.
This piece of art is one of the most important monuments,
remained till today of the world architectural history.
For this reason, Hagia Sophia had drawn attention of all
humans with its architecture, mosaics and Turkish era
structures besides its historical background during
centuries. Hagia Sophia was church for 916 years, and
mosque for 481 years, and now functions as a museum since
1935.
The initial Hagia Sophia, which
is assumed to be constructed by Emperor Ist
Konstantinos (324 - 337) by Byzantium historians
had burned as a result of a revolt, and no ruins
had reached today. Emperor IInd Theodosius, had
constructed Hagia Sophia for the second time and
opened for worship on 415. Similarly basilica
planned this structure had burned on 532 during
Nika revolution. During the excavations
performed on 1936, some ruins related with this
have been revealed. Stages, columns, heads
showing the entrance to this temple are various
architectural parts.
Emperor Iustinianus (527 - 565)
had wished to constructed a bigger church than
first two Hagia Sophia, and appointed one of
that period's architects, Isidoros from Miletos
and Anthemios from Tralles to construct the
Hagia Sophia, which reached today. Columns,
heads, marbles and colorful stones from antic
cities of Anatolia are import to Istanbul for
usage in hagia Sophia.
Construction of Hagia Sophia is
started on 23rd December, 532, and completed on
27th December, 537. When one investigates it in
connection with architecture, it is composed of
big middle place, two side places, apses,
internal and external nartexes. Internal place
has a size of 100 x 70 m., and covered with a 55
m. high dome with 30.31 m. diameter, which is
supported by four big feet.
Mosaics besides architecture of
Hagia Sophia are also very important. Oldest
mosaics are the mosaics with geometric and plant
motifs which have golden silvering at internal
nartexes and side places. Figured mosaics are
constructed between IXth and XIIth centuries.
These can be seen on Emperor's gate, apses, exit
gate and upper floor gallery.
Hagia Sophia, during the Turkish period
beginning with the conquer of Istanbul, is
repaired for several times. Balcony surrounding
includes the best samples of Turkish tile art
and Turkish calligraphy. A section of the Koran
of Turkish Calligraphist Kazasker Mustafa İzzet
Efendi on the dome and 7.50 m. diameter round
plates are the most interesting ones among these.
On these plates, Allah, Muhammed, Ömer, Osman,
Ali, Hasan, Ebu Bekir, Hüseyin's names are
written. On the side walls of the balcony, there
are plates on which Ottoman rulers are written,
and present here as a gift.
Sultan II. Selim, Sultan III. Mehmet, Sultan III.
Murat and princes' mausoleums, Sultan I.
Mahmut's (fountain) şadırvan, children school,
charitable establishment, library, Sultan
Abdülmecid's sovereign court, clock room are the
Turkish period examples of Hagia Sophia, and
composes the most beautiful examples of
classical Ottoman mausoleum tradition with its
mausoleums, internal decoration, tiles and
architecture.
Open hours to visit: 09.30 - 16.30
Open days to visit: Everyday
except Monday.
